Swimming to Happiness: Frailty Prevention in Older Adults

Abstract

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome that can adversely affects the quality of life of older adults. Lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity, healthy diet and medications optimization have strong evidence in prevention, treatment, and reversal of frailty. While physical activity is the most important, inactivity among older Americans remains high. We present a case in which successful approach to frailty prevention, through regular swimming, showed meaningful improvement. Collaboration between the patient, family and physician, was also important. Collectively, these efforts lead to improvement in patient’s mood, quality of life, and medication use.